Take Note: Christmas Card to the Community

“Joy Has Dawned” was the theme for this year’s Christmas Card to the Community. On December 13^th, the Branson area community gathered to celebrate the birth of Christ with traditional hymns, carols, and scripture readings. The participating ensembles—the Orchestra, Chapel Choir, Chorale, the Handbell Choir, and Lower School Honor Choir—collaborated to create a truly exceptional concert. Senior C of O student James Zeller, a member of Chorale, said “Singing with such a large ensemble and singing songs with such a rich Christian tradition gave me a great sense of joy, worship, and unity with the body of Christ.” The Orchestra opened with the prelude “A Christmas Festival,” and after a welcome from President Jerry Davis, the congregation sang “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Chapel Choir, under the direction of Dr. Cornish and with soloist Emily Rector, sang “Mary, Did You Know?” and “What Child is This?” The Handbell Choir performed “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and “In the Bleak Midwinter.” The School of the Ozarks students sang “Alleluia Medley.” Chorale, conducted by Dr. Gerlach, followed with “Sir Christemas” and “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day.” The combined choirs and a soloist Elizabeth Stuart sang “O Holy Night,” which was followed with the candlelit congregational hymn “Silent Night.” The combined choirs and orchestra ended the ceremony with a stirring rendition of Handel’s “Hallelujah” Chorus. The concert was, as Dr. Cornish said, “…a beautiful and worshipful service. Each ensemble’s contribution to the evening combined to create something truly special.”